Edwards skips test due to illness.

Colin Edwards missed out on his final chance for 2009 MotoGP track time after being struck down by a virus in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“I woke up this morning at 5am and felt horrendous,” said the 35-year-old. “I felt completely drained of all my energy. I thought I'd got food poisoning and I knew then I wasn't going to be able to ride today. But the Clinica Mobile guys said I'd got a virus and I've just been lying in bed all day. It obviously wasn't the way I wanted to end the year but I'm looking forward to a long break now and coming back strong for 2010.”

Edwards finished fifth in the 2009 MotoGP World Championship - and was the top satellite rider. However, with new Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team-mate Ben Spies fourth fastest at the Valencia test, Edwards will be facing stiff competition from his fellow Texan next season.

“I've had another great season with the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team and would like to thank all my guys again for their hard work. They are an awesome bunch. And looking at the times today, Ben has done a great job,” said Edwards. “He's not only showed what a fast learner he is, but how talented he is. There should be a good bit of friendly Texan rivalry in 2010 and I can't wait.”

Like the factory Yamaha team, Tech 3 is not testing on Wednesday morning at Valencia and will next be out on track for the first test of 2010, at Sepang in February.

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I wish Ben well, he's a great rider to come up to speed so quickly, but I'd feel bad for Colin if Ben finished higher than him in '10. Colin's been on the verge of success for far too long, but never quite made it.
If none of the riders was famous, is there anyone in the field you would rather go for a quiet beer with?
I'd love to see him as a commentator when he retires.